Grading & Drainage: Kirkland vs Redmond
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Redmond, WA?
Redmond has fewer restrictions than Kirkland.
Kirkland, WA
King County
Grading permits are required in Kirkland for fills, cuts, and landscape regrades beyond thresholds in KMC Title 115, with drainage plans reviewed by Public Works under the Ecology Stormwater Manual.
View full Kirkland rules →Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond requires a grading permit for earthwork over 50 cubic yards or grading in critical areas under RMC Title 15, with drainage review by Public Works based on the DOE Stormwater Manual.
View full Redmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kirkland | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Trigger | 50 cubic yards or 7,000 sq ft | - |
| Retaining Wall | Over 4 feet needs permit | - |
| Roof Drains | Must be tightlined | - |
| Flow Control | Match pre-development | - |
| Code | KMC Title 115 + Ecology | - |
| Permit trigger | - | 50 cubic yards cut or fill |
| Critical area | - | Any grading needs review |
| Wall engineering | - | Over 4 ft exposed |
| Drainage | - | DOE manual standards |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kirkland FAQ
Can I regrade my Kirkland backyard without a permit?
Small landscape grading under 50 cubic yards on flat ground usually does not require a permit, but steep slopes, critical areas, or larger cuts and fills trigger review.
Can I let my gutter water spill onto the ground?
No. Kirkland code requires roof drains to connect to a tightline that discharges to an approved location; surface release that causes erosion or neighbor impacts violates the drainage code.
Redmond FAQ
Do I need a permit to regrade my Redmond yard?
Yes if cut or fill exceeds 50 cubic yards, if it is on a steep slope, or if it is inside a critical area like a stream buffer.
Can I divert drainage onto my neighbor's lot?
No, Redmond requires grading designs that keep runoff on the originating property or into an approved drainage system.
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